Birthdays? WTF? (Rant Warning)

manonthemoon

Birthdays? WTF?

Can someone explain why a birthday is something to celebrate?

Ok, I get it when kids have birthdays. And maybe when someone is turning 18, as they are entering into adulthood, can vote, drink alcohol legally etc.

But 21st birthdays. Where did they come from? Why are they big events where Mammy books out the function/ invites all the releatives so little snotty johnny gets new clothes and tells everyone the auld pair bought me an iPod

Why the 21st birthday, Why not the 20th? Is this an American tradition carried over?

As for people going out to celebrtate their 22nd/ 33rd/ 36th/ 29th birthdays. Whats all that about?

I think the 21st is mostly an american tradition that leaked over here.

Just be glad we dont celebrate 16th birthdays the way the yanks do.

<growls at my Super Sweet 16th>

MrJoeSoap

I don't think the Americans celebrate 21st birthdays the same way we do, though I could be wrong. They're big on the "Sweet 16" though. As for all the other years, its really just a good excuse for a party/piss-up.

monkeyfudge

What gets me is when almost every week there is a whip around to buy something for someone in the offices birthday...

How the hell do they know it's their birthday? How does that come up in conversation? I've never had one of these whip arounds for me because as a rule I don't go around telling people what day I was born on.

Merrick

It's an excuse for a party/day off.
And helps you remember what age you are. Where would we be without yearly reminders?

manonthemoon

Merrick wrote:

It's an excuse for a party/day off.
And helps you remember what age you are. Where would we be without yearly reminders?

Ok,

1) A day off. Would you take a day off because its your birthday. How old are you? 6

Actually kids go to school on their birthdays. Sorry, but I just cany imagine that. "Sorry boss, I need tomorrow off. Its my 25th birthday"

2) Oh the yearly reminders. You would still be the same age without those

brown*eyed*girl

Despite being an only child I come from a very large extended family and we are all very close and due to hectic lifestyles with work, kids etc. we don't get to meet up as often as we like so birthdays are a great way for a family get-together where we can have a drink or party and catch up. My cousins came out with me for my 31st bday two weeks ago and and this weekend I went out with mates to celebrate. To me its about meeting up and celebrating and an excuse to go out and drink.

brown*eyed*girl

manonthemoon wrote:

Birthdays? WTF?

Can someone explain why a birthday is something to celebrate?

Ok, I get it when kids have birthdays. And maybe when someone is turning 18, as they are entering into adulthood, can vote, drink alcohol legally etc.

But 21st birthdays. Where did they come from? Why are they big events where Mammy books out the function/ invites all the releatives so little snotty johnny gets new clothes and tells everyone the auld pair bought me an iPod

Why the 21st birthday, Why not the 20th? Is this an American tradition carried over?

As for people going out to celebrtate their 22nd/ 33rd/ 36th/ 29th birthdays. Whats all that about?

Me thinks nobody remembered manonthemoon's birthday this year I'll be the first to wish you happy birthday, how old were you again?!

Mossy Monk

manonthemoon wrote:

1) A day off. Would you take a day off because its your birthday. How old are you? 6

i make sure i have it off every year. book it months in advance. some people enjoy their birthdays. what's the problem?

TerrorFirmer

I read a class story there in work the last day about this guy, upon reaching 63, applied for early retirement and was naturally anticipating it like nothing ever before after a life of hard labour.

Turned out he was actually 79 and should have retired 14 years ago.

A bit more emphasis on celebrating his birthday might have helped!

Mrs_Doyle

Ok, we have people on here complaining about how sh1t Mondays are, how broke they are, how stressed they are, how depressed they are, etc.
Life is, for the most part, a big pile of crusty arse!

And yet, when people want to get a little positive, and actually 'celebrate' their birthday - you want to take that away from them too.

Why shouldn't they celebrate it, why not enjoy themselves with their friends and family - seems to be to be as good a reason as any for a bit of fun!

User45701

the reason for birthdays as far as i can see is to see friends who u dont see often enough. also to get drunk with all your friends and have F U N

iguana

I'm pretty sure that the reason 21 is a big deal birthday is that in the past certain rights of adulthood were given to you at 21, not 18. It has nothing to do with America.

jezza

manonthemoon wrote:

Birthdays? WTF?

Can someone explain why a birthday is something to celebrate?

Ok, I get it when kids have birthdays. And maybe when someone is turning 18, as they are entering into adulthood, can vote, drink alcohol legally etc.

But 21st birthdays. Where did they come from? Why are they big events where Mammy books out the function/ invites all the releatives so little snotty johnny gets new clothes and tells everyone the auld pair bought me an iPod

Why the 21st birthday, Why not the 20th? Is this an American tradition carried over?

As for people going out to celebrtate their 22nd/ 33rd/ 36th/ 29th birthdays. Whats all that about?

It is my birthday REALLY SOON! and nobody is going to stiop me from celebrating it. Jesus, it's only one day out of the entire year. A day where you can feel all special and stuff.
I'm going to be 18 and I'm not having a party, just about 15 of my close friends going on the lash.

People these days. complain about christmas, complain about halloween and now complaining about birthdays.:rolleyes:

petes

I take the day off every year regardless of what age I will be. Booked a about a month in advance. I wouldn't go up to my boss the day before and ask for the day off because I wouldn't get it.

seamus

iguana wrote:

I'm pretty sure that the reason 21 is a big deal birthday is that in the past certain rights of adulthood were given to you at 21, not 18. It has nothing to do with America.

What iguana says. IIRC, the voting age used to be 21. Traditionally at 21 you were also considered mature enough to be given the front door key. There's a certain logic in it - at 21 you tend to be considered a proper adult, whereas before that you would have been a young adult.

In years gone by, at 21 you'd be close to the point where you'd be settling down, starting a family, buying a home, etc etc. Naturally, this barrier has become more blurred recently due to societal shifts, and people maturing earlier, so the 18th and the 21st would both be considered landmarks. As is 25, and 30, etc...

Life sucks. That must is true. So we should take any oppurtunity to celebrate, no matter what the occasion may be.

MrJoeSoap

Deleted User wrote:

Life sucks. That must is true.

That's an opinion, not a fact.

MrJoeSoap

MrJoeSoap wrote:

That's an opinion, not a fact.

I never said it was a fact. But never mind.

I just think that people should use any chance to celebrate.

Archeron

Deleted User wrote:

I never said it was a fact. But never mind.

I just think that people should use any chance to celebrate.

Woohoo!!! Its four minutes past two. Who'll join me in a celebratory conga line?

Rb

I'm amazed someone is whining about celebrating birthdays tbh.

miamee

rb_ie wrote:

I'm amazed someone is whining about celebrating birthdays tbh.

Some people just love being miserable

If you don't like birthdays then don't celebrate your own. But don't begrudge other people celebrating their own birthdays!

Black Swan

In the States you can legally drink at 21, so everyone goes out and gets wasted.

Ruu_Old

I don't care too much about birthdays but people have to find something to celebrate about I guess.
What I don't like is 'chipping in' for someone I don't know/dislike, that or become the most hated office employee.

"Would you mind chipping in for a birthday present for Jimmy?"
"Who the hell is Jimmy?"
"He works in accounts, ya know?"
*begrudgingly hands over a few quid*

Lump

I never do anything major for my birthday, I don't see the point.

John

lasair

TBh i was shocked during the summer when my partners family did know it was his brothers bday.
the mother inc.
i was seriously annoyed cos i was the only one that thought of it.

all i got was "we dont celebrate b-days in this house, i give them a cheque 2 a year, Christmas and when i think its near to their birthday".

now that really shook me

Duras

brown*eyed*girl wrote:

Me thinks nobody remembered manonthemoon's birthday this year I'll be the first to wish you happy birthday, how old were you again?!

I bet you'll have a special place in the man's heart from now on!:D

NeMiSiS

It's my birthday on Wednsday. What will you be getting me ? I'd like a surpirse please. I'l be 25 so like I'm 'legal' for anything anyone wants to give.. like blonde girls.

Thanks!
TK

petes

NeMiSiS wrote:

It's my birthday on Wednsday. What will you be getting me ? I'd like a surpirse please. I'l be 25 so like I'm 'legal' for anything anyone wants to give.. like blonde girls.

Thanks!
TK

We will have a whip round.

manonthemoon

brown*eyed*girl wrote:

Me thinks nobody remembered manonthemoon's birthday this year I'll be the first to wish you happy birthday, how old were you again?!

21st of jan brown*eyed*girl. 32 years young. Dont forget me now!



I am going to have surprise party with balloons and a cake

There will be sausage rolls, cocktail sausages and a band and a karaoke machine. Paper hats and we will play twister

And I will be wearing a guna deas with red ribbon in my hair.


AND EVERYBODY IS INVITED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woo hoo

RedPlanet

here here!
I totally agree with the OP.
Birthdays are for loosers.
I understand that little kiddies like them, they get gifts and it's "their special day", which has some redeeming qualities i'm sure.
But adults?
C'mon what sillyness.
If you think about it, our Calendar system is messed up anyway (Leap Year?) and the Earth is never actually in exactly the same place after a full revolution around the Sun.
Besides isn't our Solar System flying thru space at 270km/sec?

I'd be proponent of some form of Calendar Reform.
Isn't a bit daft to have some of our months named after dead Roman rulers?

Archeron

Archeron wrote:

Woohoo!!! Its four minutes past two. Who'll join me in a celebratory conga line?

If thats what would make you happy, then why not?

Suaimhneach

Traditionally 21st is the day wehn you get the key to the house. Its also a coming of age thing. There is a big difference between an 18th and a 21st.

Its also an excuse to see family and freinds and celebrate and be happy!

Cheer up!

MrJoeSoap

RedPlanet wrote:

Birthdays are for loosers.

You mean celebrating birthdays right?

RedPlanet wrote:

But adults? C'mon what sillyness.

If it makes people happy, and they have a good time, then whats the problem?

RedPlanet wrote:

If you think about it, our Calendar system is messed up anyway (Leap Year?) and the Earth is never actually in exactly the same place after a full revolution around the Sun.
Besides isn't our Solar System flying thru space at 270km/sec?

Wow. That has absolutely NOTHING to do with this topic!

RedPlanet wrote:

I'd be proponent of some form of Calendar Reform.
Isn't a bit daft to have some of our months named after dead Roman rulers?

Not really, they're only words and have little or no association with Roman rulers any more anyway. Again, waaaaaaaay off-topic.

NeMiSiS

We would celebrate everyone in our families birthday, imediate family like brother, sister, mother, father, mainly cause it kinda brings us togther. Like we'd go out for dinner or something.. as a family. We don't see so much of each other these days. Family is important .. I'd like some kind of ice cream cake too please.

TK

J.R.HARTLEY

seamus wrote:

What iguana says. IIRC, the voting age used to be 21. Traditionally at 21 you were also considered mature enough to be given the front door key. There's a certain logic in it - at 21 you tend to be considered a proper adult, whereas before that you would have been a young adult.

In years gone by, at 21 you'd be close to the point where you'd be settling down, starting a family, buying a home, etc etc. Naturally, this barrier has become more blurred recently due to societal shifts, and people maturing earlier, so the 18th and the 21st would both be considered landmarks. As is 25, and 30, etc...

isn't it a really old european tradition all linked back to a 21 year olds debut at royal courts or somthing, you were too young to be presented at the royal court if you were under 21.

RedPlanet

MrJoeSoap wrote:

Wow. That has absolutely NOTHING to do with this topic!

Wrong.
It has everything to do with this topic.
You celebrate your birthday on teh "same day of every year", or so you believe.
My point is, that is mularky.

MrJoeSoap wrote:

Not really, they're only words and have little or no association with Roman rulers any more anyway. Again, waaaaaaaay off-topic.

Wrong again.
July=Julius.
It's not just "a word" it's his name.
So, i have my birthday in the month of Julius (Ceasar), yeah, nothing to do with him...l:rolleyes:
Besides the Gregorian calendar is not religiously neutral.

monkeyfudge

I wish they'd hurry up and decimalise time.

Ten day weeks FTW!

dr.bollocko

Birthdays are cool. Because when its your birthday and you tell all your friends about it months in advance, they HAVE to go wherever you want to go, and they HAVE to be nice to you no matter how obnoxious and drunken you get. And they HAVE to ensure I am so utterly blind drunken by the end of the night that I cant even figure out how a door works.
My birthdays are great because me mates are great, always demanding a party, and getting us to go out and do something for parties, its nice to give a friend a great day.
But I could see why I would grow to hate birthdays, when I am 40, living alone, with my cats, and the invitations have been sent out, and the phone hasnt rang, and nobody has even said hello to me. On my birthday.

But at least I can use it to get a sympathy lay.

MrJoeSoap

RedPlanet wrote:

Wrong.
It has everything to do with this topic.
You celebrate your birthday on teh "same day of every year", or so you believe.
My point is, that is mularky.

Yes, its a symbolic date, the same date as the one you were born on. It isn't "mularky" to anyone who enjoys celebrating life and having a bit of fun.

- Why aren't you doing anything for your birthday this year mate?
- Well because of the orbit of the earth around the sun and the fact that our solar system is flying through space at X mph, today isn't in fact the correct anniversary of the time I was born.
- See you later.

RedPlanet wrote:

Wrong again.
July=Julius.
It's not just "a word" it's his name.

Yes, and August = Augustus etc, I'm well aware of that thanks. The fact is that they have absolutely no correlation to their Roman ancestors any more. The vast majority of people say August without even considering its historical relevance, and righly so.

If you want to start a petition to get the names of the month changed, or the number of days in a year changed, or anything of the sort, I wish you the very best of luck. You don't have my support though.

So, i have my birthday in the month of Julius (Ceasar), yeah, nothing to do with him...l:rolleyes:

What has it got to do with him? Its just a word ffs! :mad: I was born in September and don't care at all what it has to do with Roman or Vedic culture. Why should I?

Besides the Gregorian calendar is not religiously neutral.

Boo hoo.

NeMiSiS

http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie/site/4/Adopt_a_Donkey.html - This is what I got the gf to get me..

TK

StupidLikeAFox

We all need something to celebrate, like BIRTHDAYS, and NEW YEARS, and WEEKENDS. Life would be pretty boring if we didnt have celebrations, so the more the merrier id say

:|

We celebrate birhdays because your friends and family like you, and want to celebrate the day you were born for that reason. Its like asking why do people celebrate anything!

also a bit of fun never did anyone any harm (especially you op)

Mushy

My 18th in one week from today. Things im doing to celebrate are
1) poker night on saturday with a few friends from around the estate. just a few cos i dont want many, dont see the point too much
2) family dinner (incl. family on my mothers side) on the sunday. only 14 of us. small again

Cant do anything monday as iv a Leaving cert to get this year. Personally, i dont see the point in having big birthdays, but iv no problem with them. I feel they can just turn out to be popularity contests amongst some people.

Giblet

NeMiSiS wrote:

We would celebrate everyone in our families birthday, imediate family like brother, sister, mother, father, mainly cause it kinda brings us togther. Like we'd go out for dinner or something.. as a family. We don't see so much of each other these days. Family is important .. I'd like some kind of ice cream cake too please.

TK

Aww

Delilah

so why do we celebrate birthdays?...

so friends and relatives who knew bout your big day would be diverted and forget you're growing old and not tease you about it!:D

Binomate

I don't celebrate birthdays.

chillywilly

its actually MY BIRTHDAY TODAY.....WOOOOO, 20 today....happy birthday to me:)


that is all:D

Mrs_Doyle

chillywilly wrote:

its actually MY BIRTHDAY TODAY.....WOOOOO, 20 today....happy birthday to me:)


that is all:D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

It is my birthday in 1 week and 4 days!

chillywilly

Mrs_Doyle wrote:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

It is my birthday in 1 week and 4 days!

wooo ill be sure to wish you a happy birthday too:D

charba

Well it's my 21st at the end of October.

And although I'm not having a party I'm going home to spend time with my friends who're at college and whom I haven't seen in months.

A birthday brings people together. If we didnt go out for a meal on my 21st then I probably wouldnt get to see hem again til Christmas.

roll on the October bank holiday weekend